I've been on this self imposed sabbatical, largely because I'm very lazy. So now, I think its best that I write something that I've been dwelling on for the last few weeks in relation to Cristiano Roanldo, Gary Neville, Edwin Van Der Sar and Wayne Rooney. Ryan Giggs and Scholes are still giving it all they've got... and then some! What's the common thread between these arguably few of the greatest talents to have played at United while some still strut their stuff? Easy, Their all bloody brilliant at what they did and still do, mind you.
This might take a while, so grab yourself a coffee and read on...
With regard to a certain Wayne Rooney, I don't know whether to be bashful and give the lad an earful or just sit during a game and keep telling myself... don't worry, he'll get back there to his best form yet. I can be quite naive at times but as this season has progressed, we've seen some bizarre deals being done by top clubs. Torres to Chelsea, for instance. Great striker. Unfortunately, poorly out of form, and to make matters worse, a real sulker. 50 million quid. And thats just his buy-out clause. Apparently, he could have been sold for over 70 plus last year.
Thing is, as a fan, as any fan, really, you would never want to see one of your best team players leave. Yes, we feel there needs to be the kind of loyalty shown by a player just as a fan shows his undying support for his club; even if that club hasn't won any silverware in the last 6 year; that's you Arsenal. But then again, that's why you have contracts. Doesn't say anything about loyalty even in in fine print below the dotted line imposing that you pledge your loyalty to your club. Maybe the term we should be looking at here is Honour. Honour your Contract. It's a grey area. I don't know what to make of it myself if you ask me.
Even when Rooney handed in a transfer request, sure I was shocked as hell! But honestly, I knew he wouldn't leave. I knew he'd stay. And when he did indeed pledged to honour his new contract, I said: Excellent! I didn't even think for a second that Manchester United would sell him in the future after most people would rightfully think that his stock had increased massively. Instead, I'm thinking, 'Just get your form back, start scoring and don''t make any nakra's [ tantrums ] now that you're getting a great pay package, not that you don't deserve it but you're obviously going to have not only win back united supporters but justify your weekly earnings by playing out of your skin,' which he does anyway. So I have no grudges against him. He works hard for the team got around ten assists to his name against 3 last season when he scored 35! So in my opinion, Kick on Wayne Rooney, Maybe You'll wise up one day and fire that agent of yours who made you the villain you are to some fans even today.
Wayne Rooney is a Footballer. A true footballer. Gives Heart, has the physical attributes to sustain himself on the pitch even for two games straight at times I feel, but the poor guy has less of mind unfortunately. He can be told what to do and all he needs is some convincing and you got yourself a guinea pig. I mean, we did persuade him to stay, right? Why I might sound a bit harsh although I still love the guy is because he simply stated a few months earlier that he wanted to be red devil for life. Wow. You don't turn around suddenly and demand for new signings and say or else I'm out! Anyway, he's apologized for that and I respect that. Time to move on and look forward.
By the way, who ARE we signing this summer???
Edwin VDS. A great shot stopper and that penalty save in the UEFA Champions League Final of 2008 will be the image that sticks forever in my mind. It isn't easy to replace a goal keeper especially since we've had a great keeper in Edwin. Initially only signing something like a 2 or 3 year contract, he's ended up playing 3 more than anyone really imagined! He's been great these last few years for us. It's a shame we didn't find him earlier and had to deal with clowns like Barthez and Carrol, but at least those two gave us a few good laughs. Ed, did his job like a thorough professional, was quiet off the pitch, rarely yelled at his defense, not that his defense ever needed it, produced and continues to produce great displays in goal. We could start by buying a keeper although I would tip new signing Ander's Lindegaard to stake a claim at the number one jersey come end May. As for Tomasz, I feel bad for him. Edwin has been in great form for years now and the opportunities for the current number 29 have been limited and he hasn't been able to really impress the gaffer to a great extent. But I guess, we could look forward to that later. Lets make the next 3 months count for now. The season's along way from done and we need all the clean sheets we can manage to stay on top! Come on VDS!
As you've probably heard by now, Gary Neville has retired from football with immediate effect. I couldn't be prouder of the man. I just saw his interview and he knew he had it coming. Thankfully, it was he who made the decision himself and now he's gone away gracefully with the respect of his peers, the manager and the fans rather than wilt away embarrassingly in the shadows of young Rafael, who has been magnificent ever since he played his first game in 2009.
Neville, was on the decline ever since he sustained an ankle injury against Bolton Wanderers some 3 years ago. So every time he started a game, I would never abuse him; just Alex Ferguson. Why! I would think WHY!!! But in a way, I'm happy that Fergi left that decision up to Neville. That showed respect on Sir Alex's part to a faithful professional, a footballer with a heart as firm as stone that will always read United Forever. We will miss players like him. Players from previous generations The kind of Loyalty that came about out of respect and love for a club that we are very unlikely to ever find again in the present, or the future and a man like Neville, is irreplaceable. He wore his heart on his sleeve so to speak.
Massive respect Gary. United Forever.
Ryan Giggs has without doubt been United's star player this season even more so than the last few years. He is an attacking threat and is always around to make sure that the defense isn't easily exposed. His form this season has been remarkable and an inspiration to those around him in the dressing room. His desire undiminished, his commitment unquestionable and his playmaking, unmatchable. He has even more tenacity in him than before... and he had a lot before! He's nearing 38 and is about to sign on for another year. That, by no means is an easy feat for players today competing at such a top level where the game has never been so demanding and to keep going like this, is no easy feat, but he makes it so seem so effortless. He has been Manchester United's most elegant player since the early 90's in my opinion. There's little surprise now as to why he was my hero when I was growing up, playing a full back for my school. A sweet left foot he has and still leaves the opposition licking their wounds the minute hE picks out a through ball or a gentle flick or the infamous — very easily anticipated yet unplayable step-overs on the left flank followed by a nutmeg as he cuts across in-field into the penalty box before he either passes it or has a go himself.
He is a Legend. There's no point in trying to pick out a 'successor' for this man. The name may be different atop that number 11 on the back of his jersey, but no matter how hard you try, whether you're in the stadium watching a game or sitting on the floor in your temporarily United adorned Living room with scarves and posters and jerseys and mugs and deodorants and club-crested mints, you will always see a faint "GIGGS" over the eventual unknown new number eleven.
Dirty Dancer, Giggs.
The Good, The Bad and the Quiet. Two words. Paul Scholes. Perhaps the only other player worth mentioning in the same breath along with Ryan Giggs' name. Again, irreplaceable. You always feel a sense of security when you've got Paul Scholes in your squad. There's always going to be a goal in the game when he's involved because he's at the heart of United's play when they go forward and track back. So he isn't the best tackler, but at least he's never seriously hurt any other player. He'll pick you out a 100 yards away and drop the ball right at your feet; even if you're making a run for an intended pass. 9.5/10, assuming your ball control is next to awesome, you wont be disappointed. Unfortunately, I get the feeling that his time might come to an end a wee bit earlier than Ryan Giggs' but looking at the larger picture, he's put in some 36 years of his life right at the top of the football pyramid and has never left anyone wanting more but rather, stuffed! Im actually pleasantly surprised that he's still going on and on. I say this because he's been through a few injuries which have kept him for playing good periods of regular football but he has shown tremendous resilience and determination to keep coming back and by still maintaining that hunger and owning that class in midfield where, he still is the driving force in United's engine room.
Cristiano Ronaldo. Genius. Sulker. Legend. He's only 26 now for God's sake and has already established himself as a legend amongst the greats like Best and Law at Old Trafford. I like most fans had a love-hate, more hate, relationship with him. Brilliance is an understatement. Thats why we love him. Sulked. Thats when we'd say pick your arse up and help out your defense m@$&#(#(#)0d. I'd only ever abuse people I thought or rather think that are too brilliant and yes although I'd abuse Ronaldo even now, his petulance and tantrums warrant some light abuse every now and then. But it isn't a perfect world and I wouldn't have him behave any other way. He's a special talent and I know that one day, he will return to Manchester United.
The impact he had on the opposition was unbelievable. They wouldn't know how to contain him, let alone man mark him. His skills were a joy to watch and his finishing was lethal. Always. He is a match-winner and genius can strike at any moment. Ferguson did really well to keep him another year, which also proved to be a title winning season. He did give himself to the game when he played. There was more than a touch but rather a punch of arrogance about him which lifted up the place but that's a genuine trait in the man.
If you watch any of United's games this season, its ridiculous in a great sort of way to hear the fans still singing the VIVA RONALDO song! Sometimes, for ten minutes straight as the game nears its end! Who has had a largest impact amongst the United supporters yet, is now a given. Always remembered and I feel its moments like these that will bring the United legend back home one day.
I must say that even after all the annoyance he might have caused us, and his cautious flirtings with the press when it had to do with the transfer period ( real Madrid, the joker ), he did respect the club, gave it his all, sulked like a baby and scored like a champion.
Viva Ronaldo!
This might take a while, so grab yourself a coffee and read on...
With regard to a certain Wayne Rooney, I don't know whether to be bashful and give the lad an earful or just sit during a game and keep telling myself... don't worry, he'll get back there to his best form yet. I can be quite naive at times but as this season has progressed, we've seen some bizarre deals being done by top clubs. Torres to Chelsea, for instance. Great striker. Unfortunately, poorly out of form, and to make matters worse, a real sulker. 50 million quid. And thats just his buy-out clause. Apparently, he could have been sold for over 70 plus last year.
Thing is, as a fan, as any fan, really, you would never want to see one of your best team players leave. Yes, we feel there needs to be the kind of loyalty shown by a player just as a fan shows his undying support for his club; even if that club hasn't won any silverware in the last 6 year; that's you Arsenal. But then again, that's why you have contracts. Doesn't say anything about loyalty even in in fine print below the dotted line imposing that you pledge your loyalty to your club. Maybe the term we should be looking at here is Honour. Honour your Contract. It's a grey area. I don't know what to make of it myself if you ask me.
Even when Rooney handed in a transfer request, sure I was shocked as hell! But honestly, I knew he wouldn't leave. I knew he'd stay. And when he did indeed pledged to honour his new contract, I said: Excellent! I didn't even think for a second that Manchester United would sell him in the future after most people would rightfully think that his stock had increased massively. Instead, I'm thinking, 'Just get your form back, start scoring and don''t make any nakra's [ tantrums ] now that you're getting a great pay package, not that you don't deserve it but you're obviously going to have not only win back united supporters but justify your weekly earnings by playing out of your skin,' which he does anyway. So I have no grudges against him. He works hard for the team got around ten assists to his name against 3 last season when he scored 35! So in my opinion, Kick on Wayne Rooney, Maybe You'll wise up one day and fire that agent of yours who made you the villain you are to some fans even today.
Wayne Rooney is a Footballer. A true footballer. Gives Heart, has the physical attributes to sustain himself on the pitch even for two games straight at times I feel, but the poor guy has less of mind unfortunately. He can be told what to do and all he needs is some convincing and you got yourself a guinea pig. I mean, we did persuade him to stay, right? Why I might sound a bit harsh although I still love the guy is because he simply stated a few months earlier that he wanted to be red devil for life. Wow. You don't turn around suddenly and demand for new signings and say or else I'm out! Anyway, he's apologized for that and I respect that. Time to move on and look forward.
By the way, who ARE we signing this summer???
Edwin VDS. A great shot stopper and that penalty save in the UEFA Champions League Final of 2008 will be the image that sticks forever in my mind. It isn't easy to replace a goal keeper especially since we've had a great keeper in Edwin. Initially only signing something like a 2 or 3 year contract, he's ended up playing 3 more than anyone really imagined! He's been great these last few years for us. It's a shame we didn't find him earlier and had to deal with clowns like Barthez and Carrol, but at least those two gave us a few good laughs. Ed, did his job like a thorough professional, was quiet off the pitch, rarely yelled at his defense, not that his defense ever needed it, produced and continues to produce great displays in goal. We could start by buying a keeper although I would tip new signing Ander's Lindegaard to stake a claim at the number one jersey come end May. As for Tomasz, I feel bad for him. Edwin has been in great form for years now and the opportunities for the current number 29 have been limited and he hasn't been able to really impress the gaffer to a great extent. But I guess, we could look forward to that later. Lets make the next 3 months count for now. The season's along way from done and we need all the clean sheets we can manage to stay on top! Come on VDS!
As you've probably heard by now, Gary Neville has retired from football with immediate effect. I couldn't be prouder of the man. I just saw his interview and he knew he had it coming. Thankfully, it was he who made the decision himself and now he's gone away gracefully with the respect of his peers, the manager and the fans rather than wilt away embarrassingly in the shadows of young Rafael, who has been magnificent ever since he played his first game in 2009.
Neville, was on the decline ever since he sustained an ankle injury against Bolton Wanderers some 3 years ago. So every time he started a game, I would never abuse him; just Alex Ferguson. Why! I would think WHY!!! But in a way, I'm happy that Fergi left that decision up to Neville. That showed respect on Sir Alex's part to a faithful professional, a footballer with a heart as firm as stone that will always read United Forever. We will miss players like him. Players from previous generations The kind of Loyalty that came about out of respect and love for a club that we are very unlikely to ever find again in the present, or the future and a man like Neville, is irreplaceable. He wore his heart on his sleeve so to speak.
Massive respect Gary. United Forever.
Ryan Giggs has without doubt been United's star player this season even more so than the last few years. He is an attacking threat and is always around to make sure that the defense isn't easily exposed. His form this season has been remarkable and an inspiration to those around him in the dressing room. His desire undiminished, his commitment unquestionable and his playmaking, unmatchable. He has even more tenacity in him than before... and he had a lot before! He's nearing 38 and is about to sign on for another year. That, by no means is an easy feat for players today competing at such a top level where the game has never been so demanding and to keep going like this, is no easy feat, but he makes it so seem so effortless. He has been Manchester United's most elegant player since the early 90's in my opinion. There's little surprise now as to why he was my hero when I was growing up, playing a full back for my school. A sweet left foot he has and still leaves the opposition licking their wounds the minute hE picks out a through ball or a gentle flick or the infamous — very easily anticipated yet unplayable step-overs on the left flank followed by a nutmeg as he cuts across in-field into the penalty box before he either passes it or has a go himself.
He is a Legend. There's no point in trying to pick out a 'successor' for this man. The name may be different atop that number 11 on the back of his jersey, but no matter how hard you try, whether you're in the stadium watching a game or sitting on the floor in your temporarily United adorned Living room with scarves and posters and jerseys and mugs and deodorants and club-crested mints, you will always see a faint "GIGGS" over the eventual unknown new number eleven.
Dirty Dancer, Giggs.
The Good, The Bad and the Quiet. Two words. Paul Scholes. Perhaps the only other player worth mentioning in the same breath along with Ryan Giggs' name. Again, irreplaceable. You always feel a sense of security when you've got Paul Scholes in your squad. There's always going to be a goal in the game when he's involved because he's at the heart of United's play when they go forward and track back. So he isn't the best tackler, but at least he's never seriously hurt any other player. He'll pick you out a 100 yards away and drop the ball right at your feet; even if you're making a run for an intended pass. 9.5/10, assuming your ball control is next to awesome, you wont be disappointed. Unfortunately, I get the feeling that his time might come to an end a wee bit earlier than Ryan Giggs' but looking at the larger picture, he's put in some 36 years of his life right at the top of the football pyramid and has never left anyone wanting more but rather, stuffed! Im actually pleasantly surprised that he's still going on and on. I say this because he's been through a few injuries which have kept him for playing good periods of regular football but he has shown tremendous resilience and determination to keep coming back and by still maintaining that hunger and owning that class in midfield where, he still is the driving force in United's engine room.
Cristiano Ronaldo. Genius. Sulker. Legend. He's only 26 now for God's sake and has already established himself as a legend amongst the greats like Best and Law at Old Trafford. I like most fans had a love-hate, more hate, relationship with him. Brilliance is an understatement. Thats why we love him. Sulked. Thats when we'd say pick your arse up and help out your defense m@$&#(#(#)0d. I'd only ever abuse people I thought or rather think that are too brilliant and yes although I'd abuse Ronaldo even now, his petulance and tantrums warrant some light abuse every now and then. But it isn't a perfect world and I wouldn't have him behave any other way. He's a special talent and I know that one day, he will return to Manchester United.
The impact he had on the opposition was unbelievable. They wouldn't know how to contain him, let alone man mark him. His skills were a joy to watch and his finishing was lethal. Always. He is a match-winner and genius can strike at any moment. Ferguson did really well to keep him another year, which also proved to be a title winning season. He did give himself to the game when he played. There was more than a touch but rather a punch of arrogance about him which lifted up the place but that's a genuine trait in the man.
If you watch any of United's games this season, its ridiculous in a great sort of way to hear the fans still singing the VIVA RONALDO song! Sometimes, for ten minutes straight as the game nears its end! Who has had a largest impact amongst the United supporters yet, is now a given. Always remembered and I feel its moments like these that will bring the United legend back home one day.
I must say that even after all the annoyance he might have caused us, and his cautious flirtings with the press when it had to do with the transfer period ( real Madrid, the joker ), he did respect the club, gave it his all, sulked like a baby and scored like a champion.
Viva Ronaldo!
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